After a long, lazy summer, does any kid want to go back to school? Use these simple tips to make their transition a little easier.

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Create a Launch Pad

To smooth out mornings, create a "launch pad" (out of blue painter's tape) near the front door. As part of your bedtime routine, have kids put everything they need for the next day in the launch pad—packed backpacks, the right shoes, appropriate foul-weather gear, etc. When it's time to leave, just have kids empty out the launch pad and hit the road!